Exploring the Best of Boston: Top Things To Do With Family

Author: Nidhi Sood on May 10,2023

Boston, MA is a vibrant and bustling city that offers a plethora of thrilling activities for all visitors. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture, Boston is a top destination for travelers looking for adventure and excitement. In this article, we will delve into the best adventurous activities to explore in Boston, MA, highlighting several subcategories such as things to do with family, top things to do with kids, full-day tours, food tours, and more

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, or cultural experiences, Boston has it all. With this comprehensive guide, you'll be able to plan a memorable trip to Boston and experience all the fun and excitement it has to offer.

Top Things To Do In Boston With Family

Visit the USS Constitution Museum

The USS Constitution Museum is a hands-on museum that tells the story of "Old Ironsides," a historic warship that was built in 1797. Visitors will enjoy the interactive exhibits, such as a cannon firing demonstration.

Climb the Bunker Hill Monument

The Bunker Hill Monument is a 221-foot-tall granite obelisk that commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. Climbing the monument's 294 steps is a great way to get some exercise and see amazing views of the city.

Explore the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a great place to take kids. They'll get to see over 20,000 animals, including sea turtles, penguins, and sharks. The aquarium also has a giant ocean tank that simulates a Caribbean coral reef.

Enjoy a North End Food Tour

The North End Food Tour is a walking tour that takes you through Boston's "Little Italy" neighborhood. You'll get to sample some of the city's best Italian food, such as pizza, cannoli, and gelato.

Go on a Boston Beer Tour

If you're a beer lover, going on a Boston Beer Tour is a must-do activity. Boston is home to a thriving craft beer scene, and there's no better way to explore it than by visiting local breweries and sampling their delicious beers. With a variety of different tour options available, you can choose the one that best fits your interests and schedule. During the tour, you'll get an insider's look at the beer-making process, learn about the history of brewing in Boston, and of course, taste some incredible beers along the way. 

Boston Freedom Trail Walking Tour

The Boston Freedom Trail Walking Tour is a great way to explore the city's rich history. The tour is approximately 2.5 miles long and takes you through 16 historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, the Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church.

Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an interactive museum that tells the story of the Boston Tea Party. Visitors can participate in a reenactment of the historic event and explore the museum's exhibits.

Explore the Boston Children's Museum

The Boston Children's Museum is a great place to take your kids for a day of fun and learning. The museum has many interactive exhibits, such as a bubble room, a construction zone, and a climbing maze.

Visit the Franklin Park Zoo

The Franklin Park Zoo is another great place to take your family. The zoo has over 100 species of animals, including lions, tigers, and giraffes. You can also take a ride on the zoo train or explore the nature play area.

Go on a Whale Watching Tour

One of the most exciting things to do with the family in Boston is to go on a whale-watching tour. You'll get the chance to see humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises. These tours typically last around three hours, and some even include a naturalist guide.

Boston CityView Trolley Tour

The Boston CityView Trolley Tour is a hop-on, hop-off tour that takes you to all of the city's major attractions, such as Fenway Park, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Take a Duck Tour

A Duck Tour is a unique way to see the city. The tour takes place on a World War II-style amphibious vehicle that travels on land and water. Kids will love the novelty of the tour, and parents will appreciate the informative commentary.

Check out the Museum of Science

The Museum of Science is a great destination for kids who love science and technology. The museum features interactive exhibits on topics like engineering, astronomy, and biology. There's also a planetarium, a butterfly garden, and a 3D digital cinema.

Go on a harbor cruise

Boston Harbor Cruises offers several options for exploring the harbor. Families can take a sightseeing cruise, a whale-watching tour, or a sunset cruise. The boats have indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the views no matter the weather.

Visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a great destination for kids who love dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The museum features over 12,000 specimens, including fossils, minerals, and taxidermy animals. There's also a gallery of glass flowers that's sure to impress.

Enjoy the playgrounds and spray parks

Boston has plenty of playgrounds and spray parks that are perfect for hot summer days. Some of the best options include the Esplanade Playspace, the Greenway Carousel, and the Rings Fountain at the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Top Hotels In Boston, to Stay with Family

Here are the top 5 hotels to stay in Boston, MA with family:

• Boston Harbor Hotel - This luxurious hotel is located right on the waterfront and offers stunning views of the harbor. It has spacious rooms, a fitness center, a spa, and a kids' program.
• The Westin Copley Place - This hotel is located in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood and is within walking distance of many popular attractions. It has spacious rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.
• The Lenox Hotel - This historic hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers elegant accommodations with modern amenities. It has a fitness center, a rooftop terrace, and a kids' program.
• The Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel - This boutique hotel is located in downtown Boston and offers stylish and modern accommodations. It has a fitness center, a restaurant, and a kids' program.
• The Four Seasons Hotel Boston - This luxurious hotel is located in the Back Bay neighborhood and offers elegant accommodations with beautiful views of the city. It has a fitness center, a spa, and a kids' program.

Fun Facts About Boston, Massachusetts

• Boston is home to the oldest public park in the United States, Boston Common, which was established in 1634.
• The Boston Tea Party, one of the key events leading up to the American Revolution, took place in Boston Harbor in 1773.
• Boston is sometimes called the "City of Champions" because of its many successful sports teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots.
• The famous Boston Marathon, one of the oldest and most prestigious marathons in the world, has been held annually since 1897.
• Boston is home to the oldest public school in the United States, the Boston Latin School, which was founded in 1635.
• The Boston University Bridge is the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train pass under a car driving under an airplane.
• Boston has the highest concentration of colleges and universities in the United States, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
• The first subway system in the United States was built in Boston in 1897.
• Boston is famous for its seafood, particularly its clam chowder and lobster rolls.
• The iconic Cheers bar from the popular TV show is located in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Boston, MA is truly a city that has something for everyone. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning scenery, it's no wonder that it's a top travel destination. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or solo, there are endless opportunities for adventure and excitement. We hope that this article has given you some great ideas for exploring the best of Boston, from whale-watching tours to food tours and everything in between. So start planning your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable experience in this dynamic city!

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Boston? 

The best time to visit Boston is during the fall when the leaves change colors and the weather is mild.

What are some other popular tourist attractions in Boston?

Some other popular tourist attractions in Boston include the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Is it easy to get around Boston?

Yes, Boston has a great public transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city.

What are some of the best restaurants in Boston?

Some of the best restaurants in Boston include Neptune Oyster, Oleana, and Myers + Chang.

Is Boston a good destination for families with young children?

Yes, Boston has plenty of activities that are specifically geared toward families with young children, such as the Boston Children's Museum and the Franklin Park Zoo.